D. J. David B. Spins Comics-Tunes: Bo Did It!
It’s a bit after the fact but I wanted to acknowledge the passing of a legend and pay tribute to the late, great Bo Diddley – one of the founders of rock ‘n roll. And like all good founders, Bo knew the importance of cartoons and comics.
In interviews, Bo said that his song “Road Runner” was inspired by a road runner he saw scooting across the New Mexico desert where he was living.
But if that’s the case, why the “beep beep” refrain? It’s pretty obvious to me that was Bo saw was a Road Runner CARTOON and he was inspired by Chuck Jones and not the wonder of nature.
Sadly, I’ll never get to ask him that question now.
Whether Mr. Diddley was a cartoon fan or not, he was truly one of the greats and he will be missed. His influence will be felt for years to come. And I’ll think of him every time I knock on someone’s door with that shave-and-a-haircut… two-bits rhythm.
For some high-speed rock ‘n roll, click on the bar below…
(if no bar appears please click here to listen)
Next week, tune in for a tune about a crazy cave man…
— C. Yoe (in the funny papers)
The “beep-beeps” were added to make it commercial.
Hey, it could have been random electronic zaps!
Not from Bo Diddley. That’s the Dynamic Batmen’s trademark.
I usually don’t like this old time rock’n'roll stuff, but there’s something about Bo that keeps me coming back. It could be because one of his songs was used in Fritz The Cat, or it could be because Please Mr. Engineer is just marvellous. Heard that one?
I just played it, on your recommendation. Not bad! I like Bo’s humorous stuff quite a bit, and “Please Mr. Engineer” is sort of halfway between seriousness and humorousness.
I think I’ll share another version of “Road Runner” before long. I’ve got at least three more.